Refugee Festival Scotland has announced more than 150 events that will take place across the country from 12–21 June, and in line with World Refugee Day on 20 June.
Run by Scottish Refugee Council, the annual festival “showcases the music, dance, food, art, film, language and ideas that enrich diverse communities,” says the festival.
The festival opens at Glasgow’s The Hidden Gardens with All Water is Connected, a commission by Scottish-Ghanaian artist Grace Browne, while other events include film screenings staged in both Isle of Skye and Glasgow. A Southside Open Air Cinema Day at Queen’s Park Arena on 14 June curated by Huss Al-Chokhdar, will be the space for an outdoor screening of the documentary Everyone to Kenmure Street.
A World Refugee Day concert at Tramway will also welcome Palestinian singer Nai Barghouti alongside the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
Sabir Zazai, Scottish Refugee Council chief executive, said: “Seventy-five years after the signing of the UN Refugee Convention, standing up for its core principles remains critical. At a time when refugee rights are under threat and public debate has become increasingly toxic, Refugee Festival Scotland is a powerful reminder that solidarity matters. This festival shows the strength found in welcoming newcomers and highlights Scotland’s commitment to being a place of hope and inclusion for all who seek safety here.”
Mónica Laiseca, Refugee Festival Scotland manager, said: “Refugee Festival Scotland is a festival for everyone. This year’s programme brings together artists, communities and audiences from across the country to share culture and time together in meaningful ways, with each event, artist and participant bringing their own perspective to the programme.
We’re proud to showcase the creativity, resilience and hope that refugees bring to Scotland, and highlight the richness of culture that flourishes when everyone feels they belong. In a time when calls for unity and compassion are more important than ever, this festival is a reminder of what we can achieve together.”
Refugee Festival Scotland is produced by Scottish Refugee Council. Details and tickets are available now.
